PDGA Considering Another Champions Cup Schedule Change after Outcry from Europeans

Numerous American pros are also speaking out against the decision to schedule Champions Cup at a later date

November 18, 2023 by Charlie Eisenhood in News with comments

Don’t ink the new Champions Cup dates in on your calendar just yet.

A mounting chorus of European and American professional disc golfers has voiced their discontent about the newly proposed late June scheduling for the Champions Cup. This new date conflicts with the Swedish Open, a European DGPT event, right in the middle of an expanding European tour.

“This isn’t good,” remarked Eagle McMahon on Facebook in response to the PDGA’s decision to change the date. “Many players were looking forward to the European tour. RESCHEDULE THE RESCHEDULE!”

Earlier, top European players such as Niklas Anttila and Väinö Mäkelä expressed their displeasure on Instagram, as both had intended to participate in the Swedish Open and subsequent events. Paul McBeth also indicated in a Facebook comment that he would opt to play in Europe and forego the Champions Cup.

In the wake of the outcry, the PDGA has confirmed to Ultiworld Disc Golf that they are considering another rescheduling. However, there are no specific dates being targeted at this time.

“PDGA Europe has conveyed the feedback from European members to the PDGA,” explained new PDGA Europe General Manager Jusso Nieminen in a European player Facebook group. “They are aware of the issues this change would cause, and…the situation is currently being reviewed.”

The PDGA’s initial press release did not acknowledge the schedule conflict with the European DGPT event. There are also several other European tournaments before, such as Turku Open, and after, including Finnish and Estonian Nationals, that could be impacted if players choose to remain in the US to play in the major.

Currently, players will need to choose between participating in the events in the Midwest swing of the US tour or traveling to Europe ahead of the European Open in mid-July. However, the DGPT has upgraded five European events to full point-earning status, making a longer European tour more feasible for pros aiming to earn a spot in the DGPT Championship.

“We have one stretch outside of the US next year and now we have a Major in the US at the same time,” Anttila told Ultiworld Disc Golf. “Doesn’t make any sense. Seems like they don’t care about Europe. There won’t be any Americans playing the early part of the DGPT Europe now. I might skip Champions Cup and play in Europe. I care about Majors more than anything, but this feels wrong.”

In 2023, Paul McBeth became the first top American player to embark on a significant European trip, participating in seven tournaments throughout June and July, bypassing several DGPT stops.